10419770

Method and System for Panoramic Multimedia Streaming

PublishedSeptember 17, 2019
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
InventorsJean MAYRAND
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
25 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method of video signal streaming implemented at a server comprising at least one physical processor, the method comprising: obtaining from a panoramic multimedia source a panoramic video signal; transcoding the panoramic video signal to produce a transcoded signal compatible with a specific type of client devices; generating a signal sample comprising a set of distant frames of the transcoded signal conforming to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than a flow rate of said transcoded signal, consecutive frames of said set of distant frames being separated by a time interval exceeding a duration of a single frame; sending said signal sample to a client device of the specific type; receiving from said client device an identifier of a respective preferred view region; content-filtering the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to the respective preferred view region at said predetermined permissible flow rate; and transmitting the client-specific signal to said client device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to adaptive streaming of panoramic video signals to client devices with limited bandwidth capacity. The problem addressed is efficiently delivering high-resolution panoramic video content to devices that cannot handle the full data rate of the original signal, while allowing users to select and view specific regions of interest within the panoramic content. The method involves a server with at least one physical processor that obtains a panoramic video signal from a multimedia source. The server transcodes this signal to produce a version compatible with a specific type of client device. To reduce bandwidth usage, the server generates a signal sample containing a set of distant frames from the transcoded signal, where consecutive frames are separated by time intervals longer than a single frame duration. This sample is sent to the client device at a predetermined permissible flow rate, which is lower than the full transcoded signal rate. After receiving the sample, the client device identifies a preferred view region within the panoramic content and sends this identifier back to the server. The server then content-filters the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to the preferred view region, maintaining the permissible flow rate. This filtered signal is transmitted to the client device, allowing efficient delivery of only the relevant portion of the panoramic video. The system ensures that devices with limited bandwidth can still access and interact with high-resolution panoramic content by dynamically adjusting the transmitted data based on user preferences.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: obtaining from the panoramic multimedia source indications of signal processing applied to the panoramic video signal; decompressing the panoramic video signal subject to a determination that the panoramic video signal has been compressed; and de-warping the panoramic video signal subject to a determination that the panoramic video signal has not been de-warped.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to processing panoramic video signals to prepare them for display or further analysis. The technology addresses the challenge of handling panoramic video data, which often undergoes various transformations such as compression and warping, making it difficult to use directly. The method involves obtaining metadata or indications of the signal processing steps already applied to the panoramic video signal, such as compression or warping. Based on this information, the system decompresses the video signal if it has been compressed, ensuring the data is in an uncompressed format for further processing. Additionally, the method includes de-warping the video signal if it has not already been de-warped, correcting any distortions introduced during capture or earlier processing stages. This ensures the panoramic video is in a standardized, display-ready format. The approach optimizes processing efficiency by selectively applying only necessary steps, avoiding redundant operations and improving performance. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring real-time or high-quality panoramic video rendering, such as virtual reality, surveillance, or immersive media.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising compressing the client-specific signal, under constraint of the predetermined permissible flow rate, prior to said transmitting.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to signal transmission systems, specifically methods for managing client-specific signals in a network environment where bandwidth constraints must be respected. The problem addressed is efficiently transmitting client-specific signals while adhering to predetermined permissible flow rates, ensuring optimal use of available bandwidth without compromising signal integrity. The method involves receiving a client-specific signal at a network node, where the signal is intended for a specific client or group of clients. The network node determines the permissible flow rate for transmitting the signal, which may be based on network conditions, service-level agreements, or other constraints. The signal is then compressed under this flow rate constraint to reduce its data size while maintaining essential information. After compression, the signal is transmitted to the client or clients over the network. The compression step is critical, as it ensures that the signal can be transmitted within the allowed bandwidth without excessive delay or degradation. The method may also involve decompressing the signal at the client end to restore its original form. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple clients share limited network resources, such as in cloud computing, content delivery networks, or telecommunication systems. The invention optimizes bandwidth usage while ensuring reliable signal delivery.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending to the client device view-selection processor executable instructions to enable a user of the client device to communicate identifications of the preferred view region to the server.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for dynamically adjusting the display of content on a client device based on user preferences. The problem addressed is the need for users to manually navigate or resize content to view preferred regions, which can be inefficient and disruptive to the viewing experience. The system includes a server that receives content and processes it to identify multiple viewable regions within the content. These regions are analyzed to determine their relevance or importance, such as based on user behavior, content structure, or other criteria. The server then generates a prioritized list of view regions and sends this information to the client device. The client device includes a view-selection processor that receives the prioritized list and presents it to the user. The user can interact with the client device to select a preferred view region from the list. The client device then communicates this selection back to the server, which adjusts the display of the content to emphasize or focus on the selected region. This may involve cropping, zooming, or repositioning the content to highlight the preferred area. The system also includes a feedback mechanism where the server tracks user selections over time to refine the prioritization of view regions. This adaptive learning improves the accuracy of suggested regions based on individual or collective user preferences. The overall goal is to streamline content navigation by automatically presenting the most relevant or frequently viewed regions to the user.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the panoramic video signal is produced by a single camera.

Plain English Translation

A panoramic video system captures and processes a wide-angle video signal using a single camera. The camera captures a field of view exceeding 180 degrees, either through a fisheye lens or by stitching multiple frames. The system processes the raw video signal to correct distortions, such as barrel or pincushion effects, and may apply image stabilization to reduce motion artifacts. The processed signal is then encoded into a panoramic video format, such as equirectangular or cubic projection, for playback on compatible devices. The system may also include metadata to support interactive viewing, allowing users to navigate different viewing angles within the panoramic scene. The invention addresses the challenge of capturing immersive video content with minimal hardware complexity, avoiding the need for multiple synchronized cameras while maintaining high-quality output. The method ensures seamless stitching and distortion correction to produce a coherent panoramic experience. The system may further integrate with virtual reality or augmented reality platforms for enhanced viewing experiences.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the panoramic video signal is produced by combining video signals produced by multiple cameras.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to the generation and processing of panoramic video signals, specifically addressing the challenge of creating seamless, high-quality panoramic video from multiple camera inputs. The method involves capturing video signals from multiple cameras, each providing a distinct field of view, and combining these signals to form a single panoramic video output. The process includes aligning the individual video signals to ensure proper spatial and temporal synchronization, correcting for distortions such as lens aberrations or parallax errors, and stitching the aligned signals together to form a continuous, immersive panoramic view. The invention may also incorporate techniques for handling overlapping regions between adjacent camera feeds, such as blending or seam detection, to minimize visible artifacts. Additionally, the method may include dynamic adjustments to the panoramic output, such as real-time adjustments to the field of view or resolution based on user input or environmental conditions. The resulting panoramic video signal can be used in applications such as virtual reality, surveillance, or immersive media, where a wide-angle or 360-degree view is desired. The invention improves upon existing methods by providing more efficient alignment and stitching processes, reducing computational overhead while maintaining high-quality output.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one physical processor and associated memory devices are allocated within a shared cloud-computing network.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for optimizing resource allocation in a cloud-computing network. The problem addressed is inefficient utilization of computing resources in shared cloud environments, leading to wasted capacity, increased costs, and degraded performance. The solution involves dynamically allocating at least one physical processor and associated memory devices within a shared cloud-computing network to optimize resource usage. The method includes monitoring the workload demands of multiple users or applications, analyzing the performance metrics of available computing resources, and redistributing the resources in real-time to balance the load. This ensures that high-demand tasks receive sufficient processing power and memory, while underutilized resources are reallocated to other tasks. The system may also incorporate predictive algorithms to anticipate future resource needs based on historical data and current trends. By dynamically adjusting resource allocation, the method improves efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances performance in cloud-computing environments. The invention is particularly useful for data centers and cloud service providers managing large-scale, multi-tenant systems.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining comprises communicating with at least one of: a signal source comprising a panoramic camera; a signal source comprising a panoramic camera and a de-warping module; a signal source comprising a panoramic camera and a compression module; and a signal source comprising a panoramic camera, a de-warping module, and a compression module.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to systems and methods for processing panoramic camera signals. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently capturing, processing, and transmitting wide-field-of-view imagery from panoramic cameras, which often produce high-resolution, distorted, or compressed data that requires specialized handling. The method involves obtaining panoramic image data from a signal source, where the signal source may include a panoramic camera alone or in combination with additional processing modules. These modules can include a de-warping module to correct lens distortion and a compression module to reduce data size for transmission or storage. The system ensures that the panoramic camera's output is properly formatted, whether through direct capture or subsequent processing, enabling applications such as surveillance, virtual reality, or autonomous navigation. The invention allows for flexible integration of different processing stages, depending on the requirements of the application. For example, in scenarios where real-time processing is critical, the de-warping and compression modules may be integrated with the camera to streamline workflows. Alternatively, in systems where raw data is prioritized, the camera may operate independently, with processing handled downstream. This adaptability ensures compatibility with various use cases while maintaining high-quality panoramic imagery.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising accessing a client-profile database storing characteristics of each client-device type of a set of client-device types, the characteristics comprising upper bounds of frame rate, frame resolution, and flow rate for use in said transcoding.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to adaptive video transcoding systems that optimize video delivery based on client-device capabilities. The problem addressed is inefficient video streaming where content is either delivered at suboptimal quality or requires excessive bandwidth due to a lack of real-time adaptation to device-specific constraints. The system includes a client-profile database that stores performance characteristics for different client-device types, such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. These characteristics include upper bounds for frame rate, frame resolution, and flow rate (data transmission speed). During transcoding, the system accesses this database to determine the optimal video parameters for each client device. This ensures that the transcoded video matches the device's capabilities, preventing over-transmission of data that the device cannot properly render while avoiding under-transmission that would degrade quality. The transcoding process dynamically adjusts video encoding parameters based on the retrieved device profiles, balancing quality and bandwidth efficiency. This approach improves streaming performance by tailoring video delivery to the specific limitations of each client device, reducing buffering and improving user experience. The system may also prioritize certain parameters over others based on device type, such as favoring higher resolution for tablets while optimizing frame rate for gaming devices.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A server for video signal streaming, comprising: a processor; a memory device storing computer executable instructions causing the processor to: obtain a panoramic video signal from a panoramic multimedia source; transcode the panoramic video signal to produce a transcoded signal compatible with a specific type of client devices belonging to a plurality of client devices; generate a signal sample comprising a set of distant frames of the transcoded signal conforming to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than a flow rate of the transcoded signal, consecutive frames of the set of distant frames being separated by a time interval exceeding a duration of a single frame; send the signal sample to a client device of the specific type; receive from the client device an identifier of a respective preferred view region; content-filter the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to the respective preferred view region at the predetermined permissible flow rate; and transmit the client-specific signal to the client device.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a server for streaming panoramic video signals to client devices, addressing the challenge of efficiently delivering high-resolution panoramic content to diverse client devices with varying capabilities and network conditions. The server includes a processor and a memory storing instructions to obtain a panoramic video signal from a source, such as a 360-degree camera, and transcode it into a format compatible with a specific type of client device. The server then generates a signal sample containing a set of distant frames from the transcoded signal, where consecutive frames are separated by a time interval longer than a single frame's duration, ensuring the sample adheres to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than the original transcoded signal's flow rate. This sample is sent to the client device, which analyzes it to determine a preferred view region. The server then content-filters the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to the preferred view region, maintaining the permissible flow rate, and transmits this filtered signal to the client device. This approach optimizes bandwidth usage and ensures smooth streaming by dynamically adapting the video content based on the client's preferences and device constraints.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The server of claim 10 further comprising a memory device storing software modules for distribution to the plurality of client devices to enable users of the client devices to communicate identifications of selected viewing regions to the server.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing and distributing software modules to client devices enables users to communicate identifications of selected viewing regions to a central server. The system includes a server configured to distribute software modules to multiple client devices, allowing users to interact with and select specific viewing regions within a displayed interface. The server processes these selections and facilitates communication between the client devices and the server regarding the identified viewing regions. The software modules stored on the server are designed to be deployed to the client devices, enabling the functionality for users to specify and transmit their selected viewing regions. This system enhances user interaction by dynamically managing and responding to viewing region selections, improving the efficiency and personalization of content delivery across distributed client devices. The server's ability to distribute and manage these software modules ensures seamless communication and coordination between the server and the client devices, optimizing the overall user experience.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The server of claim 10 further comprising a client-profile database, communicatively coupled to the processor, storing characteristics of each client-device type of a set of client-device types, the characteristics comprising upper bounds of frame rate and frame resolution.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a server system for optimizing video streaming performance based on client-device capabilities. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of delivering video content without considering the technical limitations of different client devices, leading to suboptimal streaming quality or excessive bandwidth usage. The server includes a processor that dynamically adjusts video encoding parameters in real-time based on the capabilities of the receiving client device. The system identifies the client-device type and retrieves its characteristics from a client-profile database, which stores upper bounds for frame rate and frame resolution for each device type. Using this data, the server selects optimal encoding settings to ensure smooth playback without exceeding the device's capabilities. This prevents issues like stuttering or excessive resource consumption while maintaining the highest possible quality for the specific device. The client-profile database is communicatively coupled to the processor, allowing real-time access to device specifications during streaming sessions. The system may also update the database as new device types are added or as performance characteristics are refined. This adaptive approach improves streaming efficiency across diverse devices, from low-end mobile phones to high-end gaming consoles. The solution enhances user experience by delivering tailored video quality without manual configuration.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The server of claim 10 further comprising network access ports for communicating with a plurality of video sources and the plurality of client devices.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing and distributing video content includes a server with network access ports for communicating with multiple video sources and client devices. The server processes video streams from the sources, which may include cameras, storage devices, or other media providers, and delivers the content to client devices such as computers, mobile devices, or displays. The system supports real-time streaming, storage, and retrieval of video data, enabling centralized control and distribution of video feeds across a network. The server may also include processing capabilities to encode, transcode, or analyze the video streams before transmission. This setup allows for efficient video management in applications such as surveillance, broadcasting, or content delivery, ensuring seamless access and distribution of video content to multiple endpoints. The network access ports facilitate high-speed communication, ensuring low-latency transmission and reliable connectivity between the server and connected devices. The system may also include features for authentication, encryption, and bandwidth management to enhance security and performance.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The server of claim 10 further comprising: a decompression module for decompressing the panoramic video signal subject to a determination that the panoramic video signal has been compressed at the panoramic multimedia source; a de-warping module for de-warping the panoramic video signal subject to a determination that the panoramic video signal has not been de-warped at the panoramic multimedia source; and a compression module for compressing the client-specific signal.

Plain English Translation

A system for processing panoramic video signals includes a server configured to receive panoramic video data from a multimedia source. The system addresses challenges in handling panoramic video, such as high data rates and distortion from wide-angle capture, by dynamically adjusting processing steps based on the state of the incoming signal. The server includes a decompression module that decompresses the panoramic video signal if it has been compressed at the source, ensuring the data is in an uncompressed format for further processing. A de-warping module corrects geometric distortions in the panoramic video if the source did not perform this step, converting the wide-angle or fisheye projection into a standard format. The server also generates a client-specific signal tailored to the requirements of the receiving device, such as adjusting resolution or field of view. A compression module then compresses this client-specific signal before transmission to optimize bandwidth usage. The system ensures efficient delivery of panoramic video by dynamically applying only necessary processing steps, reducing computational overhead and improving real-time performance.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A server for video signal streaming, comprising: a processor; a memory device storing computer executable instructions organized into: a network interface for communicating with: a panoramic multimedia source to acquire a panoramic video signal; and a plurality of client devices; a transcoding module for transcoding the panoramic video signal to produce a transcoded signal compatible with a specific type of client devices; a frame-sampling module for generating a signal sample comprising a set of distant frames of the transcoded signal conforming to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than a flow rate of the transcoded signal, consecutive frames of the set of distant frames being separated by a time interval exceeding a duration of a single frame; a client control-data module for sending the signal sample to a client device of the specific type and receiving an identifier of a respective preferred view region from the client device through the network interface; a client-specific adaptation module for content-filtering the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal at the predetermined permissible flow rate for transmission to the client device through the network interface, the client-specific signal corresponding to the respective preferred view region.

Plain English Translation

A server for streaming video signals is designed to efficiently deliver panoramic video content to multiple client devices with varying capabilities. The server acquires a panoramic video signal from a multimedia source and processes it for transmission. A transcoding module converts the panoramic video into a format compatible with specific client devices. A frame-sampling module generates a signal sample by selecting distant frames from the transcoded signal, ensuring the sample adheres to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than the original signal's flow rate. Consecutive frames in the sample are spaced apart by a time interval longer than a single frame's duration. This sample is sent to a client device, which then identifies a preferred view region within the panoramic content. The server uses this feedback to filter the transcoded signal, producing a client-specific signal at the permissible flow rate that corresponds to the preferred view region. This approach optimizes bandwidth usage and ensures smooth streaming by adapting content delivery based on client preferences and device constraints. The system dynamically adjusts the video stream to focus on the most relevant portions of the panoramic content, improving efficiency and user experience.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The server of claim 15 further comprising a source signal processing module equipped with: a de-warping module for de-warping the panoramic video signal subject to a determination that the panoramic video signal has not been de-warped at the panoramic multimedia source; and a decompression module for decompressing the panoramic video signal subject to a determination the panoramic video signal has been compressed at the panoramic multimedia source.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a server system for processing panoramic video signals, addressing the challenge of efficiently handling and preparing panoramic multimedia content for distribution. The system includes a source signal processing module designed to adaptively process incoming panoramic video signals based on their prior treatment at the source. The module contains a de-warping module that corrects geometric distortions in the panoramic video signal if it has not been de-warped at the source. Additionally, the module includes a decompression module that decompresses the signal if it was compressed at the source. The server ensures that the panoramic video signal is in an optimal state for further processing or distribution, whether it arrives in a raw, warped, or compressed form. This adaptive processing approach enhances compatibility and reduces redundant operations, improving efficiency in panoramic video workflows. The system may also include other modules for additional signal processing tasks, such as encoding, transcoding, or metadata extraction, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The server of claim 15 wherein the memory device further comprises software modules for distribution to the plurality of client devices to enable users of the client devices to communicate identifications of selected viewing regions to the server.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing and distributing video content includes a server with a memory device storing software modules for distribution to multiple client devices. These modules enable users to select and communicate specific viewing regions within a video to the server. The server processes these selections to generate and distribute customized video streams based on the identified regions, allowing users to focus on particular areas of interest within the video content. The system may also include a processor for analyzing the video data to identify and track objects or regions of interest, which can be highlighted or emphasized in the customized streams. The software modules on the client devices facilitate user interaction, such as selecting regions through touch, mouse, or other input methods, and transmitting the selections to the server. The server then adjusts the video stream parameters, such as resolution, frame rate, or encoding settings, to optimize the delivery of the selected regions. This approach enhances user engagement by enabling personalized viewing experiences tailored to individual preferences or requirements.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. A system for video signal streaming, comprising: a plurality of multimedia sources providing panoramic video signals; a server, comprising: a processor; a memory device storing computer executable instructions causing the processor to: obtain a panoramic video signal from one of the panoramic multimedia sources; transcode the panoramic video signal to produce a transcoded signal compatible with a specific type of client devices; generate a signal sample comprising a set of distant frames of the transcoded signal conforming to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than a flow rate of the transcoded signal, consecutive frames of the set of distant frames being separated by a time interval exceeding a duration of a single frame; send the signal sample to a client device of the specific type; receive from the client device an identifier of a respective preferred view region; content-filter the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to the respective preferred view region at the predetermined permissible flow rate; and transmit the client-specific signal to the client device.

Plain English Translation

This system addresses the challenge of efficiently streaming panoramic video signals to diverse client devices with varying capabilities and network conditions. The system includes multiple multimedia sources providing panoramic video signals and a server equipped with a processor and memory. The server obtains a panoramic video signal from one of these sources and transcodes it into a format compatible with a specific type of client device. To optimize bandwidth usage, the server generates a signal sample consisting of distant frames from the transcoded signal, where consecutive frames are separated by a time interval longer than a single frame's duration. This sample adheres to a predetermined permissible flow rate lower than the original transcoded signal's flow rate. The server sends this sample to the client device, which then identifies a preferred view region within the panoramic video. The server filters the transcoded signal to produce a client-specific signal corresponding to this preferred view region, maintaining the permissible flow rate, and transmits it to the client device. This approach ensures efficient streaming by reducing bandwidth consumption while allowing users to select and view specific regions of interest within the panoramic video.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The system of claim 18 wherein at least one of the panoramic multimedia sources comprises: a panoramic camera of up to 4π solid angle coverage; a de-warping module; and a compression module.

Plain English Translation

A system for capturing, processing, and transmitting panoramic multimedia content is disclosed. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently acquiring and distributing high-resolution panoramic video or images, particularly for applications requiring wide-field coverage such as surveillance, virtual reality, or immersive media. The system includes at least one panoramic multimedia source, which may be a panoramic camera capable of capturing up to a 4π solid angle (full spherical coverage). The panoramic camera feeds into a de-warping module that corrects lens distortions, transforming the raw fisheye or multi-lens input into a geometrically accurate panoramic image or video. A compression module then encodes the processed data to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining visual quality. The system may integrate multiple such sources, each with its own de-warping and compression components, to enable scalable, high-fidelity panoramic content delivery. The design ensures real-time processing and compatibility with existing multimedia transmission protocols.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the at least one of the panoramic multimedia sources is configured to provide: a raw signal as captured at said panoramic camera; a corrected signal derived from the raw signal using the de-warping module; a compressed signal derived from the raw signal using the compression module; and a compact signal derived from the raw signal using the de-warping module and the compression module.

Plain English Translation

A panoramic multimedia system captures and processes wide-angle video or image data from panoramic cameras. The system addresses challenges in handling raw panoramic signals, which often contain distortions and require significant storage or transmission bandwidth. The system includes a de-warping module to correct geometric distortions in the raw panoramic signal, producing a corrected signal with proper perspective. A compression module reduces the data size of the raw signal, generating a compressed signal suitable for efficient storage or transmission. The system also provides a compact signal, which combines both de-warping and compression to deliver a corrected and bandwidth-efficient output. This multi-modal approach allows users to select the appropriate signal type based on their needs, whether prioritizing raw data, corrected imagery, compressed storage, or a balanced compact output. The system enhances usability by offering flexible processing options for panoramic multimedia applications.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The system of claim 20 wherein the at least one of the panoramic multimedia sources is configured to provide indication of signal-processing functions applied to the raw signal.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for processing and managing panoramic multimedia content, addressing challenges in capturing, transmitting, and displaying high-quality immersive media. The system integrates multiple panoramic multimedia sources, such as cameras or sensors, to generate a seamless, wide-angle view of an environment. These sources capture raw signals, which may include video, audio, or other sensory data, and apply signal-processing functions to enhance or modify the raw content. The system is designed to provide metadata or indicators that specify the signal-processing functions applied to the raw signals, allowing downstream components to understand and utilize the processed data effectively. This metadata may include details about filtering, compression, noise reduction, or other transformations applied during capture or transmission. The system ensures that the processed signals maintain high fidelity and are synchronized across multiple sources, enabling applications in virtual reality, surveillance, or real-time monitoring. By explicitly tracking signal-processing steps, the system improves compatibility and interoperability with other multimedia systems and devices. The invention enhances the reliability and usability of panoramic multimedia content in various technical and consumer applications.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The system of claim 18 further comprising a dedicated transmission medium connecting the server to the one of the panoramic multimedia sources.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing panoramic multimedia content includes a server configured to receive and process panoramic multimedia data from multiple panoramic multimedia sources. The system further includes a dedicated transmission medium that directly connects the server to at least one of the panoramic multimedia sources. This dedicated connection ensures high-speed, low-latency data transfer, improving the efficiency and reliability of content delivery. The server processes the received panoramic multimedia data, which may include 360-degree video, images, or other immersive content, and distributes it to client devices for viewing. The dedicated transmission medium may be a high-bandwidth fiber-optic link, a direct wired connection, or another specialized communication channel designed to minimize interference and maximize throughput. The system may also include additional features such as real-time encoding, adaptive streaming, and user interaction tracking to enhance the viewing experience. The dedicated connection ensures that the server receives high-quality, uninterrupted data from the connected panoramic multimedia source, enabling seamless playback and interaction for end users.

Claim 23

Original Legal Text

23. The system of claim 18 further comprising access to a network connecting the server to the one of the panoramic multimedia sources.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing panoramic multimedia content includes a server configured to receive and process panoramic multimedia data from one or more panoramic multimedia sources. The system further includes a network that connects the server to the panoramic multimedia sources, enabling data transmission between them. The server processes the panoramic multimedia data to generate a unified panoramic multimedia output, which may include stitching, blending, or otherwise combining multiple panoramic inputs into a seamless output. The system may also include user interfaces or client devices that allow users to interact with the processed panoramic content, such as viewing, navigating, or manipulating the panoramic output. The network connection ensures real-time or near-real-time data exchange, supporting dynamic updates and interactions with the panoramic multimedia content. The system may be used in applications such as virtual reality, surveillance, or immersive media, where high-quality panoramic content is essential. The network connection enables scalability, allowing the system to integrate multiple panoramic sources and distribute the processed output to various endpoints.

Claim 24

Original Legal Text

24. The system of claim 23 further comprising at least one additional server connecting to the plurality of multimedia sources through the network.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a distributed multimedia processing system designed to enhance content delivery and management across multiple sources. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently aggregating, processing, and distributing multimedia content from diverse sources in real-time or near-real-time, ensuring scalability, reliability, and low latency. The system includes a primary server that connects to a plurality of multimedia sources via a network, such as the internet or a private network. The primary server is responsible for receiving, processing, and distributing multimedia content, which may include video, audio, images, or other digital media. The processing may involve transcoding, compression, encryption, or other transformations to optimize the content for delivery to end-users or other systems. To improve scalability and redundancy, the system further includes at least one additional server that also connects to the multimedia sources through the network. This additional server operates in parallel with the primary server, allowing the system to handle increased loads, provide failover capabilities, and distribute processing tasks. The servers may collaborate to ensure seamless content delivery, with load balancing mechanisms to optimize performance. The system may also include a database or storage subsystem to store processed multimedia content, metadata, or user preferences, enabling efficient retrieval and personalized delivery. The network connections between the servers and multimedia sources may be secured using encryption or other security protocols to protect data integrity and privacy. Overall, the invention provides a robust, scalable architecture for managing multimedia content across distributed sources, ensuring high availability

Claim 25

Original Legal Text

25. The server of claim 18 wherein the memory device further comprises software modules for distribution to the client devices to enable users of the client devices to communicate identifications of selected viewing regions to the server.

Plain English Translation

A system for managing and distributing video content includes a server with a memory device storing software modules for distribution to client devices. These modules enable users to select and communicate specific viewing regions within a video to the server. The server processes these selections to analyze viewing patterns, optimize content delivery, and enhance user engagement. The system addresses the challenge of understanding user preferences in video consumption by capturing detailed interaction data, such as which regions of a video are most frequently viewed or interacted with. This allows for personalized content recommendations, targeted advertising, and improved video segmentation. The server may also aggregate and analyze the collected data to generate insights for content creators and advertisers. The software modules on client devices facilitate real-time communication of user selections, ensuring timely updates to the server's data. The system improves upon traditional video analytics by providing granular, region-specific interaction data, enabling more precise content optimization and user experience customization.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

September 17, 2019

Inventors

Jean MAYRAND

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